A mono cartridge is a nice investment. I didn’t want to go crazy, so purchased an Ortofon mono cart (non-SE). Sounds much better than playing mono with my stereo cart (I have no mono switch on my phono stage). Just installed it on another headshell, and swap it out easily.
In terms of ‘modern’ mono pressings, I have no idea. All my mono LP’s are vintage. Most from the 50’s to early 60’s. Thus I assume they are true mono cuts/pressings. I just spent all this past weekend listing to only old mono albums. Quite enjoyable. And a very good and well engineered mono recording/pressing can almost sound stereophonic.
In terms of ‘modern’ mono pressings, I have no idea. All my mono LP’s are vintage. Most from the 50’s to early 60’s. Thus I assume they are true mono cuts/pressings. I just spent all this past weekend listing to only old mono albums. Quite enjoyable. And a very good and well engineered mono recording/pressing can almost sound stereophonic.